The ranch

I have loved the ranch since the first time Dave took me there. We were newly engaged and as much as I didn't want to love it, hating myself for it, as I was a girl loyal to Northern Wyoming and the Big Horn mountains, I fell desperately, completely and utterly in love. Jaclyn was there with me my virgin visit as she has been part of the Sharp family long before I ever entered into the picture having befriended the Sister's Sharp at an early age. It had snowed that visit and Jaclyn and I needing a little Davis sister time, strapped on some snow shoes and hiked to the mid mountain, looked down at the beautiful valley below we then sat, faced the sun and soaked in some vitamin D. It was lovely. It was amazingly peaceful. We were far away from the cares that seemed to beset us. We still snow shoe for exercise and a gentle cleansing of the cluttered mind in the winter and the scenery is still as lovely as ever. But the summers there... The care free summers grab tight and almost haunt you, begging you to stay until the bitter cold and wind of November sets in. This summer was no exception. Wyoming had an early summer of plentiful rain so by the time I arrived in August the hills and surrounding areas were still green. The hay fields were newly cut and the sprinklers were watering constantly for the next crop due late August or September.

Dave introduced me to an amazing run through Weber canyon up 3 miles to the top of the mountain where the run down is just as amazing and can be done in 1/2 the time. One must gage your every step as to not misstep, avoiding the spring of waters that flow and having a watchful eye and open ear for the cattle that wander freely up there. Before entering the canyon we run on a beautiful path. On either side are golden fields of grain that are usually associated with vast acres in Kansas. Then up we head to the loan tree which is our turn around point and with each step the trail gets a little more narrow and uneven from corrosion of the previous hard winter. The higher you get the less trees and then you reach the top. The openness of the trail allows you to see a panoramic view of the valleys below. It's quite amazing. I love the run. Aside from the pesky grasshoppers that grab by the hundreds at your moving legs, it is a most perfect activity. Coming down is a thrill. You run fast. So fast that you can out run the grasshoppers and most certainly the terrified cows trying desperately to escape human contact in fear that they may become dinner I imagine.

Aside from my selfish behavior at the ranch I love the way Sam loves the ranch. He plays, he digs, he runs. He is one of the lucky ones as his dad is the favorite son. Dave is the one who can drive the tractors. Dave is the one who knows many of the secrets. Dave will allow Sam to use his imagination and make whatever his dreams may be and oft times bring them to reality. Dave is kind of cool that way........

We fish at Murphy's lake, we swim and float in the Salt River (or at Lava Hot Springs) we eat outside under the white canopy, we ride bikes, we ride four wheelers, we go to Rocky Mountain Seafood in Afton for some seared tuna or fish tacos. We shoot arrows at the target that is attached to the wall of hay in the barn and yet still lost an arrow or two. We get to see the most remarkable meteor shower because the skies are clear and the city lights are too dim. We walk home from church, we ride bikes to the park, we see elk, hear wolves and coyotes cry in the cool evenings, water ski at the Palisades, go to the Alpine slide in Jackson, go to the rodeo in Jackson. Escape from the valley to the big city of Jackson (Hole). We roast marshmallows, have fireworks, go to Valley Market at least 2 times a day. We hike, we play, we love. We are with family. Either extended or we three. We are happy there